Branching Out's Seeds and Sprouts

[Branching Out]

We have a really pretty hydrangea in full sun, and on hot days the blossoms curl up in protest. I have taken to covering the plant with a sheet during the worst of the heat, to shade it and to conserve moisture. It looks kind of funny, but it's better than having shrivelled up blossoms. We plan to relocate this shrub to a shadier spot come the fall.

 

[heirloomgal]

I want one of those!

 

[Decoy1]

And pole beans Sunshine is pumping out straight yellow beans. They were started on April 7th, and planted in a hot dry corner under the branches of our neighbour's cherry tree. Given that they have to compete with the huge tree for resources I have made an effort to mulch heavily, and I water deeply at least a couple of times a week too.

I’m growing Sunshine too from your gratefully received seeds. Not quite as far advanced as yours (sown 14th May) but growing strongly and not too far behind. Looking forward!

 

[Branching Out]

Finished pulling the garlic today! The bulbs are looking quite nice this year. They will hang from the rafters of our carport for the next month or so, to cure. I managed to clean up two of the garlic beds and then prep them with dry organic fertilizer. I had pre-sprouted some bean seeds so those got poked in to the soil, including Van Gogh's Olive, Ugandan Bantu, Cantare, and Painted Pony. Good chance it may be too late to be planting some of these beans-- but it's always fun trying. If we end up with a warm September they may be just fine. Tomorrow I hope to sow some carrot and beet seeds alongside the beans.

 

[heirloomgal]

Is each bunch a different variety?

 

[Decoy1]

Is each bunch a different variety?

It looks a great crop. And I was about to ask the same question.

In England there aren’t very many different varieties of garlic available, except for one well known source based on the Isle of Wight. But I don’t like the fact that they have selected and renamed all the varieties they offer, rather than staying with traditional varieties and selling them under those names.